Buncombe County extends indoor mask requirement for public spaces through Nov. 30

Press release from Buncombe County:

Update at 4:23 p.m. Oct. 27: Biltmore Forest has also extended the mask requirement for indoor public spaces through Nov. 30. The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners have extended the county-wide face covering requirement for all indoor public spaces through Nov. 30, 2021. The indoor mask requirement also extends to Asheville, Black Mountain, Montreat, Weaverville, and Woodfin. Biltmore Forest is pending. In Buncombe County, COVID-19 case rates continue to be high, and per the CDC definition, the County remains an area of high transmission. The percent positivity remains in the moderate category, and the death rate remains in the substantial category. “Vaccine eligibility for 5- to 11-year-olds is expected by the first week in November,” said Public Health Director Stacie Saunders. “Face coverings provide an added layer of protection and by extending the indoor face covering requirement through Nov. 30, we are helping to potentially protect these children during the vaccination process.” Free COVID-19 vaccines are available to anyone 12 and older at Buncombe County Health and Human Services by appointment or walk-in between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at 40 Coxe Ave., Asheville. No ID is required. Learn more at www.buncombeready.org.